The Immortal World trembled. Ling Tian's golden aura expanded like a rising sun, resonating through mountains, rivers, and floating islands. Every cultivator within dozens of miles could feel the pressure the presence of a true Immortal King.
Vorath hovered above the battlefield, black robes billowing like shadows against Ling Tian's brilliance. His eyes were cold, sharp like twin blades of judgment.
"You sit in the throne meant for kings," Vorath growled, "but today, it will be mine."
Ling Tian's eyes glinted silver-gold, calm, calculating. "If you want it, come forward. I won't hesitate."
System: "Battle confirmed. Target: Vorath – Immortal King (Peak King). Threat level: Extreme. Recommended: Observe → Exploit → Strike. Survival probability: 93%."
Opening Moves
The first clash was almost imperceptible a flick of a finger, a ripple of aura but it shattered the ground beneath them. Ling Tian's Soul Severing Fist collided with Vorath's Dark Lightning Palm, producing a shockwave that cracked the mountains around them.
Vorath's aura pressed against Ling Tian like an iron wall, and the system whispered:
System: "Target has high physical resistance. Recommendation: Exploit gaps in energy flow. Terrain manipulation suggested."
Ling Tian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Predictable."
With a subtle motion, he sent shards of floating rock swirling around Vorath, forming a chaotic storm of blades. Vorath blocked, but each swing cost him energy, and Ling Tian's system recorded his reactions in real-time.
System: "Weakness detected: Vorath overcompensates on defense. Opportunity: simultaneous flank strike."
Ling Tian flicked his wrist. Two golden clones of himself appeared, each striking from opposite directions. Vorath tried to counter, but the clones were illusions infused with real energy each capable of Soul Severing impact.
Boom! The clones struck, breaking Vorath's defense slightly and forcing him to retreat.
Mid-Battle: Strategy Over Power
Vorath's eyes narrowed. "Tricks… I'll crush them!"
He unleashed Oblivion Pulse, a forbidden technique that turned the battlefield into a storm of black lightning. Mountains were vaporized instantly, rivers boiled into steam, and even the sky cracked with energy fractures.
Ling Tian remained centered on the throne, golden aura flaring. The throne itself responded, amplifying his cultivation, stabilizing him against the destructive wave.
System Activated: Throne Resonance. Bonus: +15% energy amplification. Recommended technique: Imperial Devouring King Palm.
Ling Tian extended his arms, golden energy spiraling like a storm. "Soul Severing Fist… enhance."
The system displayed new data:
Imperial Devouring King Palm – 0% mastery (Unlocked via Throne Resonance)
Experience gain potential: +1000
He struck. The energy from his fists radiated through the palace and beyond, colliding with Vorath's Oblivion Pulse. The resulting explosion shattered the battlefield, sending shockwaves into the Immortal World itself.
Vorath staggered, panting, his aura dimmed. "Impossible… this body… this technique… how"
Ling Tian didn't answer. Calmly, he raised a finger and whispered:
"Soul Severing Fist – Full Release."
A beam of golden energy pierced the sky, targeting Vorath with pinpoint precision. The attack bypassed all defenses, striking the rival Peak King squarely and sending him crashing into a nearby mountain.
Victory and Throne Mastery
Vorath struggled to rise, sweat dripping from his face, aura flickering. He finally bowed his head in respect.
"I… acknowledge you, Ling Tian. The throne… it is yours."
System Update:
Throne Mastery Achieved – 15% Unlock
Immortal World Territory Consolidated – Level 1
Enemy status: Defeated
Imperial Technique Acquired: Imperial Devouring King Palm
Next Target: Celestial Base
Ling Tian rose, aura blazing. He looked over the shattered mountains and smoke-filled valleys. The Immortal World had witnessed the rise of its new Immortal King.
"Celestial World… your turn will come," Ling Tian whispered, his eyes glinting with ambition. "One realm at a time… one world at a time. I will become absolute."
The system's voice echoed in his mind, mechanical and emotionless:
System: "Objective updated: Celestial Base. Suggested preparation: Acquire 3 additional Immortal King techniques, consolidate all sects under rule, and prepare for breakthrough."
Ling Tian's smile widened. The first challenge of this world had been overcome, but the journey to conquer the realms and ascend to True God had only just begun